Indonesia Blacklists Two ITAS Holders for Unauthorized Event Work in Bali
Two Dutch residents who organized a running event in Bali have been barred from re-entering Indonesia, a warning to foreign residents that organizing events without proper authorization can breach visa conditions and trigger deportation.
What happened
The two men, identified by immigration only by the initials JAS and HQV, left Bali for Singapore through Ngurah Rai International Airport on July 23 and were subsequently placed on Indonesia's re-entry blacklist. The length of the ban has not been made public.
According to Director General of Immigration Silmy Karim, one man held an employment ITAS and the other an investor ITAS. Neither status shielded them from sanctions once immigration decided their activities fell outside their permitted roles.
The pair ran Entourage Run, a Canggu club whose July 22 "silent disco" run drew complaints that Indonesians had been excluded. The club apologized and blamed an automatic approval process. Immigration said the organizers lacked the required event permits and had acted as independent event organizers, which breached their visa conditions.
The corporate guarantor, PT SIG, has been summoned for questioning and could face sanctions. The investigation remains open.
What it means for nomads
The key distinction here is between joining an activity and running one. Casually taking part in a meetup or run club is not the problem. The risk arises when foreign tourists or ITAS holders organize structured events, collect fees, promote brands, or otherwise operate outside the work their visa authorizes.
An immigration official, Marantoko, stated that foreign nationals "aren't permitted to organize an event in Indonesia," though properly authorized foreigners may work as crew or officials at events featuring international performers.
This matters for the large community of remote workers and long-term residents in Bali who frequently host runs, retreats, wellness sessions, and networking events. Even those holding employment or investor residence permits are not automatically cleared to act as event organizers.
Practical steps
If you plan to run an event in Indonesia, immigration guidance points to three things to confirm first:
- An Indonesian legal entity is the official organizer, not you personally.
- The activity fits within your immigration status and visa conditions.
- Any required local permits have been secured, with foreign-led activities coordinated with local authorities, including police where required.
The broader lesson is that a residence permit is not a blanket work authorization. Activities outside the scope of your specific visa can lead to immediate sanctions, including deportation and a re-entry ban. Foreign residents building side projects or community events in Indonesia should treat local permits and a properly registered local entity as essential rather than optional.
Originally reported by Stamped Nomad.